The event, open to the public with free admission, will run from Friday until Sunday at the Iradier Arena. It will bring together 70 companies and exhibitors from across the Iberian Peninsula. Visitors will have the opportunity to taste and purchase organic products and items for a healthier lifestyle.
Iker Knörr, the event's manager, stated that the fair aims to be "a unique meeting point" for exhibitors, producers, retailers, distributors, professional visitors, consumers, institutions, and the general public. Over 70 exhibiting firms will occupy more than 2,000 square meters, representing almost all of Spain's autonomous communities.
The 11th BioAraba Fair is sponsored by the Environmental Studies Centre of the Vitoria-Gasteiz City Council, the Provincial Council of Álava, the Basque Government, and Fundación Vital Fundazioa. Collaborators include the Basque Council for Organic Agriculture and Food (Ekolurra), Bioeco Actual and Bueno y Vegano publications, and the companies Apartamentos Divan, Irenaz, and Jai Alai.
Borja Rodríguez, the Environment Councillor for Vitoria-Gasteiz, highlighted that BIOARABA "aligns with various municipal strategic objectives related to promoting environmental sustainability, the local economy, proximity consumption, public health, and citizen awareness regarding current climate and food challenges." The fair reinforces Vitoria-Gasteiz's image as a "municipality committed to sustainability."
Participants are involved in organic products, healthy living, and responsible consumption, all holding organic production certificates. In addition to food, attendees will find items related to ecological construction, renewable energy, fair trade, textiles, cleaning, cosmetics, and sustainable tourism.
Nora Beltrán de Otalora, Director of Food Quality and Promotion for the Basque Government, commented, "We continue to support and consolidate organic production in the Basque Country, as well as promote our quality food products." She added, "Fairs like BioAraba help to showcase the work of our producers and bring their products closer to the public."
Saray Zárate, Deputy for Economic Development and Sustainability for the Provincial Council of Álava, emphasized that "BioAraba is an opportunity to bring citizens closer to the work of those who are committed to producing differently, with sustainability criteria and respect for the environment." She noted, "Behind many of these products are small businesses, entrepreneurs, and producers who generate economic activity and employment, including in our towns."
Organic food will form the core of the BioAraba exhibition, with nearly 25 stands offering products such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, oils, eggs, mushrooms, pastries, bread, preserves, honey, beer, cider, wine, and more. There will also be stands focusing on organic cosmetics, health, construction, and other responsible consumption sectors. As in previous editions, Fundación Vital will subsidize 100% of the participation cost for producers from Álava.
The 11th edition of BioAraba will also feature a mixed zone for conferences, workshops for adults and children, and product tastings, running parallel to the exhibition area. Nearly a dozen thematic conferences and workshops are planned.
